Tips for a Successful #GivingTuesday [webinar]

Nov. 3, 2023 by

Katie Clark

Fundraising powered by your unique mission is what #GivingTuesday is all about.

#GivingTuesday is the largest and most recognizable day of charitable giving in the world. It falls on the first Tuesday that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and began back in 2012 as a way to include charity work as a part of “holiday spending”. In the organization’s own words, they say that “#GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.”

For our latest webinar, the wisdom of our Giving Success team shines as we share tools and tips for a successful day of giving at your Catholic parish, school or ministry this November.

How can I participate in #GivingTuesday?

At the heart, participating in #GivingTuesday is all about sharing your mission and supporting those ministries in need. But, depending on your budget and bandwidth, participation will look a little different for everyone.

1

Set your goals

No matter your size, goals provide purpose toward specific needs at your organization! A common practice is to showcase a particular fund, which offers clarity to where donations end up. If picking funds is not your style, consider a benchmark goal, by planning to hit a certain number of donors or specific dollar amount. Visuals and expectations for potential givers can make a huge difference.

2

Brainstorm and create content

Now, it’s time to get to work! Gather your key pieces of information and decide how you will be sharing it with members. Consider telling stories through videos or photos to encourage members of real-life changes that you’re trying to accomplish. Knowing where to concentrate your efforts creates the stepping stones on your path toward success this year!

3

Organize your information

You've got your ideas and materials, and now, let's bring it all together. Coming up with a plan for sharing your campaign provides clarity and allows you to define the where, when and how of getting your message to members for maximum visibility.
 

What tools should I use in my #GivingTuesday campaign?

If you’re an eCatholic Online Giving customer already, your website is primed and ready with the right tools to share your #GivingTuesday message far and wide! Here are a few recommendations for easily sharing your campaign this year...

(Don’t use eCatholic Online Giving tools yet? No problem! Check out our tools or talk to our team today - we’d be happy to help you get set up in time for #GivingTuesday!)
 

1

Create a #GivingTuesday landing page on your website

Sharing your mission might come with a lot of photos, stories, or even video updates from your pastor! Utilizing a single location on your website as “#GivingTuesday headquarters” can combine inspiration and donor follow-through in a single website visit. Plus, your eCatholic website is mobile-friendly, so giving is easy - no matter what.

We’ve even created an example page for you to grab ideas and make them your own. Head over to OurLady.Church/Giving-Tuesday to see more.

2

Include mobile-friendly online giving tools

Everything you need is right in your website’s content tray! If you’ve created a dedicated spot for #GivingTuesday on your website, here’s what you can use.

• Donation Form Module - This tried and true module makes giving straightforward and easy. And, if you’ve got multiple funds included in a #GivingTuesday campaign, take advantage of the Preset Accounts option. This way, donors can choose where to direct their donation!
• Progress Bar Module - This module provides great visual impact! Use it to communicate to donors where you are in the fundraising process. You can also use multiple modules on a single page, helping your donors feel confident about leaving a financial mark.
• Free QR Codes - Every page on your eCatholic website comes with a free, high-quality QR Code. Download one in (literally) seconds, and now you’ve got the perfect bridge connecting your print media and digital day of giving.

3

Email and print can reach new audiences

Don’t be afraid to “open the floodgates” of communication during your campaign! The more avenues to use to communicate, the more runway you’ll pave to meet, or even exceed, your #GivingTueday goals. Here are a few ideas that can help your campaign communications take flight!

• Email Lists - You likely communicate with your members via email already, and this is a great opportunity to meet those members who might not be in the pews every weekend. Look at email as an opportunity to offer participation to those who may be missing regular announcements.
• Bulletin Announcements - Those members who may prefer to find their news in print format shouldn’t be missed either. Post encouragements leading up to your day of giving and share gratitude after it has concluded. (Not sure what to write? We’ve got you covered with some sample posts below).
• Postcards - If you think members will be delighted by some snail mail, postcards provide a 100% open rate (because you don’t even need to open them)! Consider using a Direct Mail service that can print and ship your postcards for one flat fee.

4

Social Media is quick and cost-effective

If you’re working on a shoestring budget, or prefer quick and short communication, social media can step in to help. It provides a wide reach, great engagement, and an expanding platform where you can let your creative side show.

We’ve got those right here for you! Just enter the information below, and we’ll send you an email with our dedicated #GivingTuesday resources. You’ll get:

• Content planning calendar (blank and a filled-in example sheet!)
• Sample Bulletin inserts/announcements
• Customizable social media templates
• Customizable postcard template

Happy creating! Oh, and don’t forget about GivingTuesday.org. They’ve got a wealth of knowledge and resources you’ll want to check out!

Has your organization ever participated in #GivingTuesday? Share about your experience and fundraising successes in the comments below - we’d love to hear from you. :)